Training Camps and the Pre Season have come and gone, and the real show is about to start. It's been a long seven months without football, and if you're anything like me, you can't wait for tomorrow night to get here! With the season opening, you know what that means; prediction time! Here are my predictions for all 32 teams heading into this season, as well as my early Playoffs and Super Bowl picks:
AFC EAST:
New England Patriots (11-5):
They are great year in, and year out. I don't see this season being any different, especially considering they are the defending champs. Losses to Wilfork, Revis and Vereen will hurt, but with Deflategate in the past, and feeling like they have something to prove, Belichick and Brady should lead their boys to yet another division title, but it might be a lot closer than years past
Buffalo Bills (10-6):
They just barely missed the playoffs last season, and are improved going into this coming campaign. With additions of Rex Ryan, LeSean McCoy, and Percy Harvin, the Bills' offense is much better, and their defense is arguably the best in the league. Their big issue however, is at QB. Tyrod Taylor has gotten the call, and if he can refrain from making mistakes, could do the job they need him to. Buffalo will compete for top spot in the division, but I think ultimately grab a wildcard berth.
Miami Dolphins (10-6):
If not for a bad finish to last season, the 'Phins could have made it into the playoffs. Their defense received a major upgrade in the pass rush, with the addition of Ndamukong Suh. Their offense is now loaded going forward, with the additions of Greg Jennings, Jordan Cameron and rookie wideout DeVante Parker. I can confidently say; if Miami doesn't make the playoffs this season, Joe Philbin will be looking for work in 2016.
New York Jets (8-8):
In the NFL, you only go as far as your quarterback will take you. In the Jets case; their QB situation probably won't get them very far. New Head Coach Todd Bowles should have a somewhat easy transition period, and his defense is loaded with talent to help that happen. But other than receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, the Jets' offense isn't close to playoff calibre. Look for an average season from the Jets, but the future is bright.
AFC WEST:
Denver Broncos (12-4):
Is this Peyton Manning's last season? It very well could be, and he's going to have to learn a new offense under new Head Coach Gary Kubiak. Their offensive line is very young and projected to struggle, but there's too much talent there to not expect them to get better every week. CJ Anderson should have another great season, and their receiving core is among the league's best. People underestimate their defense, but I believe it could win them some games and maybe even carry them for stretches throughout the season.
Kansas City Chiefs (9-7):
Remember last season when the Chiefs didn't throw a single TD pass to a Wide Receiver? That fact alone is why I think Jeremy Maclin will be the Chiefs' most valuable player this season. Their offense is improved, especially with Jamaal Charles looking like his old self in the Pre Season. Alex Smith is good enough to lead this offense to a winning record, and their defense is solid, with a couple studs in Justin Houston and Eric Berry. Look for KC to compete for a Playoff spot down the stretch.
San Diego Chargers (8-8):
Philip Rivers is the Chargers' offense, and has been for years, but this year watch for Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen as well. The offense will rely on all three of these guys in every game, and I expect them all to have big years, with Gordon having the most dramatic impact. One thing they face this season that isn't in their favour; three 1:00pm EST games. For a west coast team, that's a big hurdle to deal with in an already difficult schedule.
Oakland Raiders (6-10):
The Raiders look like they're finally coming together, well on offense at least. Second year QB Derek Carr showed glimpses of the great young player he's expected to be for this franchise for years to come. He only got better as the season went on last year. Adding potential superstar wide receiver Amari Cooper in the first round of the Draft, along with a breakout season from RB Latavius Murray, the offense is well on it's way, but still young and a work in progress. The defense needs a lot of work though, and is probably a few years away. Look for the Raiders to compete in most games this season.
AFC NORTH:
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5):
The Steelers' defense is undergoing a big transition right now. With Troy Polamalu retiring, they're looking for new leaders on that side of the ball. They always draft very well, especially on D, and are looking great for the future once again. Their offense is outstanding and will be among tops in the league, and will be good enough to carry them and outscore many teams on route to the division title.They will be without Le'Veon Bell the first two games, and Martavus Bryant the first four, but their offense, led by Big Ben, is good enough to get over that hurdle. This team, minus suspensions, could have potentially won 12 or 13 games.
Baltimore Ravens (10-6):
Another new Offensive Coordinator? Not surprised. The Ravens are now on their fourth in four seasons, but their current OC Marc Trestman will be a slam dunk hire. Their receivers are pretty weak outside of Steve Smith, but with Flacco at the helm, and Justin Forsett coming off a career year, the Ravens will do great things on offense under this new regime. Their defense is always solid, and led now by linebackers Terrell Suggs and CJ Mosley, will be among the league's top 10 defenses this season. Opening with five of their first seven on the road is tough, but expect the Ravens to contend for a Playoff berth.
Cincinnati Bengals (9-7):
As always, the Bengals are solid on both sides of the ball. Their offense is deep at all positions, but the biggest question is always with Andy Dalton at the QB spot. They are dealing with a couple injuries on defense, and their team isn't exactly built for a Playoff run as we have seen in previous seasons. With a very tough schedule that features the NFC West, expect the Bengals to be close to the Playoffs but ultimately come up short.
Cleveland Browns (4-12):
The Browns are still a ways a way in every aspect. Their schedule opens pretty favourable, but after that they will be lucky to find a win. They don't have a franchise QB yet, which is what drives this league. Johnny Manziel could be the guy, and I expect him to get an extended opportunity by mid-season. Their defense is the only thing that can be consistent, but has major holes in the secondary and front seven. The Browns will be lucky to win four games this season.
AFC SOUTH:
Indianapolis Colts (13-3):
The Colts will again benefit from being in arguably the league's worst division, and will be tops in the Conference. Their offense could be ranked the best in the NFL by seasons' end, after big off-season additions in Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. Their defense still could use some work, but is solid enough, along with their explosive offense, to lead them far in the Playoffs. I expect Andrew Luck and the Colts to be in Super Bowl 50.
Houston Texans (8-8)
I have a feeling this team could have the best defense, along with the worst offense this season. Their defense is expected by just about everyone to be great, and the best in the league. They already had Defensive Player of the Year in JJ Watt, and also got Brian Cushing and Jadeveon Clowney back from injuries, along with adding Vince Wilfork in free agency. Their defense is stacked.
Their offense? Well Arian Foster is injured for at least the first 4-6 weeks, and they lack any wide receivers other than DeAndre Hopkins. Brian Hoyer could be the guy, but judging from years past I just can't see it. The Texans will be competitive, and will win games with their defense alone.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11):
Will the Jags ever be in the Playoffs again? Not this season, but they are well on their way with second year signal caller Blake Bortles running the show. Their core of young talent has improved very quickly, and I expect a breakout season from wide receiver Allen Robinson, along with a great rookie season from running back TJ Yeldon. Jacksonville's defense is average, but very young, improving, and will be scary in a year or two. The offensive line needs a lot of work though. The Jags will be better this season, but still will finish with a poor record.
Tennessee Titans (4-12):
A last place schedule won't really help rookie QB Marcus Mariota and the Titans this season. They have holes pretty much everywhere, but are extremely young and have tons of potential. The Titans are going to be patient with Mariota, and let him grow along with rookie wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. Their running game still has a lot of question marks, and their defense is only average, so look for the Titans to struggle all season long and could compete for that first overall pick again.
NFC EAST:
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5):
The Eagles offense will be great, no matter what. That's just how head Coach Chip Kelly runs his system. Sam Bradford has the potential to be a stud in this scheme, but obviously has the question marks about staying healthy, after missing so much time the past few seasons due to knee injuries. DeMarco Murray will fill in nicely for the loss of LeSean McCoy, and their young receiving core is going to be solid. Their defense is always underrated under Kelly, but they get it done and make plays. The Eagles will compete with the Cowboys once again for the division.
Dallas Cowboys (10-6):
The best offensive line in the NFL, hands down. That is the Cowboys' biggest asset going into this season. They also have a solid QB in Tony Romo, and some great targets for him to throw to, specifically superstar Dez Bryant, who should have a monster season. The only real issue in their offense is their running game, and who will replace DeMarco Murray. There's hype around Joseph Randle, but I think by mid-season the job will be Darren McFadden's. Their biggest concern again this year is the defense. Without Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain for the first month of the season, and facing four elite offenses right off the bat, it will be a huge test for the 'Boys defense. Look for the offense to carry them in more than one shootout.
New York Giants (7-9):
The Giants have a solid passing offense, but that's about it. Their running game has three solid backs, but no real starter. Their offensive line is super shaky, and will depend on rookie Tackle Ereck Flowers to protect Manning's blindside, which could be scary. Their defense is a work in progress, but has too many holes up front to stop the run consistently. That has a lot to do with Jason Pierre-Paul's injury, and we'll see how he bounces back from that index finger injury. There are a lot of questions to be answered with the G-Men.
Washington Redskins (5-11):
The Kirk Cousins era has begun in the Capital. He has some solid weapons to work with in DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, and Alfred Morris should bounce back from a poor 2014 campaign, but their offensive line is terrible. There's a good chance the 'Skins will get sacked more than anyone in the NFC this year. Their defense isn't very good either, and it won't be winning them any games this season. It's going to be another long campaign in Washington.
NFC WEST:
Seattle Seahawks (12-4):
The redemption season is about to begin for the Seahawks. They open up the schedule with two tough matchups on the road; Rams and Packers. They also end their season with three of their final five games away from home, so they're going to have to improve their road record, while going on a streak in the middle of the year. Their offense has only improved since last season with the addition of Jimmy Graham, and their defense, led by the 'Legion of Boom', should be among the league's best again. To do that though, they need to work out a deal with Kam Chancellor, or the L.O.B. won't be the same. Expect for Seattle to compete with Green Bay for the number one seed.
Arizona Cardinals (10-6):
The biggest loss for the Cardinals over the offseason was Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles. In saying that, the biggest thing to watch with them is how that great defense does this season without him. I have a feeling it will be just as good, if not better than last season, because they are healthy this year. Carson Palmer looks like he has some jump left, and if Andre Ellington can stay healthy, the Cardinals should be in the Playoffs and contend with the best.
St. Louis Rams (9-7):
Their first six weeks of the schedule is tough, but after that they have four of five at home in the dome. Their defense is going to be among the league's best once again, but there's concerns about their offense. The O-line is coming along very well, and should protect Nick Foles well enough this season, but the real question is about Foles himself and if he's a good enough QB himself, or just a product of Chip Kelly's Eagles system. Todd Gurley is the big wildcard. He isn't expected to do much in the first half of the season, but if he's everything everyone expects him to be, he should have a huge impact on the Rams' stretch run. Look for them to contend for a Playoff spot.
San Francisco 49ers (6-10):
Who didn't they lose this offseason? That's probably the easier question to answer. Along with former Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, they lost some big veterans on defense, as well as Frank Gore on offense. This team will have to go through a big transition period to get back to where they were just a couple seasons ago. They have a good enough offense to compete and put up points, but their defense has just too many holes. It will be interesting to see how QB Colin Kaepernick fares without his former boss. I expect the 49ers to be very average team in arguably the best division in the league.
NFC NORTH:
Green Bay Packers (13-3):
Big redemption matchup for the Packers in Week 2 against the Seahawks that could decide the number one seed in the NFC very early. Their biggest loss in the offseason was losing Jordy Nelson (in the preseason) to an ACL injury, but their offense is so stacked, and with Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy leading the charge, no one will be able to stop the Packers offense. Their defense is bringing back pretty much everyone from last season, and their younger players have only improved, so I expect their D to be very good. I see Green Bay competing for the Super Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings (9-7):
Adrian Peterson is finally back, but everyone's wondering if he's going to be the same AP that we've seen in years past. Most people expect him to jump right back into being one of the best running backs in the league, which will help second year QB a Teddy Bridgewater and the young receiving core grow throughout the year. Their defense is full of young talent and could potentially be very scary. With help from a favourable schedule, the Vikings should be in the hunt for a playoff berth.
Detroit Lions (8-8):
The Lions had the number one rush defense last season, but the loss of Ndamukong Suh is a big one. They face Adrian Peterson twice, Matt Forte, Jamaal Charles, and Marshawn Lynch in the first half of the season, so it will be a big test, and I expect them to struggle. Their running game is pretty deep, and their offense as a whole is going to be very good, but I think their defense has just too many holes. They will be competitive but will probably come up short on a postseason berth.
Chicago Bears (4-12):
I have a feeling this is going to be the worst season for the Bears' franchise in a long time. Their offense will depend solely on Jay Cutler and what he can do, as well as Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte. They are learning a new offensive system from an entirely new coaching staff as well, so there's going to be many bumps in the road. Their defense will also have a new system and coaches, along with a lot of different players as well. It's going to be awful in Chicago this season.
NFC SOUTH:
New Orleans Saints (10-6):
The Saints lost a big piece in Jimmy Graham, and their offense might struggle at the start without the big Tight End, but Brandin Cooks is ready to step up and take that number one job. Their running game has improved with the addition of CJ Spiller, who should push Mark Ingram, who finally came into his own last year, to be his best. Their defense has improved, and should bounce back from a terrible season. Don't expect Drew Brees to miss the Playoffs two seasons in a row, they should take the weak NFC South.
Carolina Panthers (9-7):
Cam Newton is fresh off a new contract extension, and the healthiest he's been since his rookie season. The only issue is his number one receiver Kelvin Benjamin is out for the year with a torn ACL, so his weapons are very limited. After Tight End Greg Olsen, the Panthers' receiving targets are slim. When Tedd Ginn Jr. and second year man Corey Brown are your top wideouts, your passing game doesn't look very promising. Jonathan Stewart and the deep running game are expected to have a big season, and have to for any kind of success. The defense is among the tops in the league, but is pretty banged up right now. Once they get healthy, they will undoubtedly carry them at points this season. I think Carolina will compete for a playoff spot, but come up just short.
Atlanta Falcons (7-9):
The Falcons hired former Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn to be their new Head Coach, but it may be a while before the defense drastically improves. The talent just isn't there right now, and they will need to draft a couple more pieces before it is, but if anyone knows what they're doing on defense it's Quinn. They do have an explosive passing attack, though. Led by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, never count them out of any game. Rookie RB Tevin Coleman will look to solve the running game issues in Atlanta, having one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFC last season. The Falcons will be an average team, but could compete in the NFC South.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
For a team that finished 31st last season, the Bucs seem to have a pretty tough schedule. They open the season against Mariota and the Titans, and could easily be 1-0, but it gets tough after that as they play four of the next six on the road. Rookie QB Jameis Winston will have an up and down season, and their running game is a huge question mark after Doug Martin's awful past year, but they do have a pretty good defense that could keep them close in more than a few games. Tampa could be exciting to watch, but are still a couple years away.
AFC PLAYOFFS:
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Denver Broncos
3. New England Patriots
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
5. Buffalo Bills
6. Miami Dolphins
NFC PLAYOFFS:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Arizona Cardinals
6. Dallas Cowboys
AFC Championship: Indianapolis Colts over Denver Broncos
NFC Championship: Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks
SUPER BOWL 50: Green Bay Packers over Indianapolis Colts
Well Week 1 is in the books, and it was a great one. For everyone that waited months for the season to begin, opening week didn't disappoint. There were some upsets and some tough spreads, but overall I did pretty well and finished 11-5 on the week. Week 2 looks even tougher, with so many close spreads and toss up picks. Here are my picks:
Line: Giants -2.5
